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How to Pick the Best Mattress

How to Pick the Best Mattress

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Back pain is a common symptom that many people deal with. Without relief, even the most minimal of tasks can feel like they require a herculean effort when suffering through back pain. There are a few different causes for this type of discomfort but the main culprit for many is a badly chosen mattress. When it comes to finding the perfect mattress, the large array of options available can make the process a daunting one.

The main cause of back pain is sleeping on a surface that doesn’t provide adequate support. In the lower back, the lumbar spine is curved into a C-shape. When that curve starts getting pushed out of shape by pressure on the bones and muscles in the back, it can cause chronic pain. Support of the shoulders and head are also important because pressure in that area can lead to upper back pain, neck pain, and even cause headaches. Choosing a mattress that provides support to the hips, shoulders, and neck is important for eliminating the pressure that causes pain

There are many types of mattresses. The most common is the innerspring mattress, which consists of metal coil springs between two sheets of padding. There are variations in material, price, and firmness but it is considered the most durable and long lasting mattress. However, they’re known to be a contributor to back pain since some types of innerspring mattresses don’t provide the right support. 

Memory foam mattresses are growing in popularity. They are made of layers of foam that mold to the contour of the sleeper and eases stress on the pressure points. Due to the ability to mold to whomever is laying on them, foam mattresses are very good for support. However, they are much more expensive than innerspring mattresses and sadly, do not last as long before needing to be replaced. Recently, there has also been some worry about the chemicals used in the production of foam mattresses and the effect it may have on those who are in contact with them on a nightly basis.

Although not as popular, latex mattresses have received some attention for being able to relieve back pain. They are made with either synthetic or natural rubber and are very firm. Depending on what the cause of the back pain is, latex mattresses may be helpful but since they are so firm, there’s also a chance that they may cause back pain due to putting too much pressure on the hips and shoulders.

In contrast to latex mattresses, a waterbed tends to lack any firmness. Chambers within the waterbed may be added in the design to give a little more firmness to the bed. Although waterbeds don’t provide enough support to prevent back pain, the effect of weightlessness and the ability to be heated may be helpful to people suffering from back pain due to another cause, such as an injury.

A mattress that is too soft can cause pain because it doesn’t offer enough support to the sleeper while a mattress that is too firm can put too much pressure on the body and also cause pain. The ideal mattress for most people is something in between. A medium-firm mattress with at least an inch and a half of padding on the top is considered to be the best for preventing soreness and back pain. However, everyone has different needs when it comes to support and those needs change with age so fully trying out a mattress by laying on it for five to ten minutes before buying one is the best way to determine which one is best suited.

How to Pick the Best Mattress2017-03-16T21:30:24-05:00

Oreos are Straight up Gangster!

Oreos are Straight up Gangster!…Study Finds Them More Addictive Than Drugs.

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 how_to_eat_oreoAccording to a new study – Oreo cookies are more addictive than drugs.  A neuroscience student out of Connecticut wanted to study the effects of high-fat and high-sugar foods on the brain.

The conclusions: The brain goes crazy for Oreos than for drugs, and the two are equally addictive—at least when it comes to rats.

There were 2 studies conducted.  In the first, rats were deposited in one of two areas in a maze. On one side they were given a control (rice cakes or saline); on the other, the test subject (Oreos or cocaine or morphine). They were then allowed to scurry to whatever side of the maze they wanted, and the students found that the rats who had been fed Oreos spent as much time on the Oreo side as the rats who had been injected with the drugs spent on the drug side, indicating that the link they made between the “pleasurable effects” of Oreos/drugs and that specific environment was equally strong.

If that isn't enough to make you think, maybe this will: Another student went on to measure the expression of the protein c-Fos in the brain's “pleasure center,” and found that “significantly” more neurons were activated in response to Oreos than in response to drugs.

Best side note of the study: Honohan also observed how the rats ate the cookies. “They would break it open and eat the middle first.”

Oreos are Straight up Gangster!2026-04-26T11:13:59-05:00

The Depression Diet

How to Cause Depression by Eating Happy Meals

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It’s no secret that fast food is not healthy. There have been many studies done on the results of eating a fast food diet, there was also a very popular documentary, and it has all come to a negative conclusion. Despite this, fast food still remains popular due to being fairly cheap, quick, and easily available. However, the price for convenience could be the loss of not only health but also happiness. Recently, a Spanish study has linked fast food intake to a raised risk for developing depression.

Fast food leads to bad health in general. Although high in calories, fast food is lacking in substantial nutrients. This leads to rapid weight gain without any health benefits. Fast food is even considered to be a leading contributor to childhood obesity since children who are fed a predominately fast food diet consume close to 200 more calories a day. Obesity and depression are solidly linked; when the body is out of shape, it affects mental health and can create negative feelings.

In addition to obesity, fast food is also heavily linked to diabetes. This is caused by the amount of processed sugars contained in most fast food items. Consuming a large amount of processed sugars leads not only to weight gain but over time, can lead to an insulin resistance that results in the formation of diabetes. The rate of Type 2 diabetes occurrence in teenagers has spiked to 15% within the last few decades and fast food consumption is suspected to hold a good part of the blame. Depression is not an uncommon result of illness, especially one as dangerous and life altering as diabetes, and there is a strong connection between the two ailments. 

Teenagers are the most susceptible to experiencing depression caused by a fast food diet. In the teenage years, hormone levels are not stable due to the process of going through puberty. Although a healthy diet can help keep these hormone levels balanced, fast food lacks the nutrients needed to do so. The combination of the imbalance of hormones caused by a poor diet, obesity, and raised risk for diabetes is a potent recipe for depression, especially in teenagers.

Eating fast food occasionally or rarely isn’t healthy but it’s only not detrimental. However, allowing fast food to make up a large portion of a diet will have adverse effect on both physical and mental health. Maintaining a balanced and nutritional diet, including reducing the amount of fast food intake, is essential for keeping a healthy body and a happy mind.

The Depression Diet2026-04-26T11:13:59-05:00

Got a Subluxation?

How small misalignments create big problems.

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Were you surprised at the extent of spinal instability or damage identified on your examination?  Most people are.

A Subluxation is when spinal bones become misaligned and squeeze the spinal nerves which cause impairment.

The simplicity of the subluxation, however, belies the fact that there is quite a complex process taking place underneath the surface.

Many people wonder how they could have so many subluxations and never even know it, especially in the absence of any obvious accident or injury.

For starters, most of the nerve roots that branch off the spinal column don’t cause any pain or outward symptoms. Instead, they are motor nerves that run your organs, give power to your muscles, rebuild cells, etc.

Think of them like the wires running from your circuit panel to your television or refrigerator. When a bone shifts onto a nerve, just like flipping a switch, it shuts down the power to its organ or body part.  Since there are far more motor nerves affected than pain receptors, most subluxations initially occur without your knowledge, and in fact, can be quite long lived before any symptoms surface.

Secondly, subluxations more often result from the culmination of routine daily activities than from one catastrophic accident or event

Posture, lifting, sitting day in and day out and working on computers all day cause damaging shifts in your spine without

In other words, subluxations can result from the stresses of normal daily living without you realizing it.

Finally, when symptoms do occur, they usually creep up on us rather than become full blown all at once. When symptoms slowly escalate over a long period, the body has time to adapt. So what might be regarded as severe pain had it come on suddenly can seem moderate or even mild in comparison when it slowly ramps up in intensity. The end result, however, is no less devastating to your spine and your health.

When most people think of a subluxation and a pinched spinal nerve, they envision immediate symptoms such as sharp, shooting pain, burning, or numbness. But as you can see, while these sensations certainly do result from subluxations, usually they take some time to express themselves.

Since subluxations can go undetected under the surface for months or years at a time, the moral of the story is to have your spine checked for subluxations long before symptoms become apparent.

The only way to know for sure whether or not you have subluxations is by getting a chiropractic check-up.

If you know someone who has not had their spine examined, regardless of whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms or have pain, please send them in for a chiropractic evaluation.

Let’s get them the help they need before their pot comes to a boil.

Got a Subluxation?2026-04-26T11:13:59-05:00

Boiled to Death

Don't Get Boiled to Death

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I’m pretty sure you’ve heard the old metaphor about a frog in boiling water.  If you drop a frog into boiling water, it will immediately jump out because of the drastic change in temperature.  On the other hand, if you place the frog into the water before boiling it, and slowly bring it to a boil, the change will be so subtle that the frog will simply sit there as he eventually boils to death.

Are you unknowingly boiling yourself to death?

I have found that people are very similar to the frog when it comes to identifying underlying health problems and then doing something about it.I often ask people if they’ve ever had a spine exam or posture exam and the answer is almost always the same:  “No, I know it’s bad.”

Really?!?

If You Know It’s bad, Why not do something?

The reality is that we rarely make the daily connection on the severity of our underlying health problems.  In fact, “Silent Killers” are the leading causes of death in this country because we don’t know we have them until its too late.  Silent Killers consist of Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes and yes, Spine Decay.

It’s unfortunate that we wait for problems to become so severe that it becomes a matter of life and death before seeking out Medical attention or professional help.

Those who have suffered a major trauma such as a heart attack, a diagnosis of cancer, an auto accident, work injury, or slip and fall are like a frog dropped in boiling water. Because they have undergone such sudden and massive physical change they seek immediate action in correcting the damage done and look to professional help without delay. Bear in mind that these are the same people who would normally overlook more minor aches and pains without a second thought.

Why does one act so quickly in a situation like this? The injury happens so suddenly and swings them so far from their comfort zone that they will do whatever it takes to bring things back to normalcy as quickly as possible.

Ignorance is not Bliss; Ignorance is a Tragedy waiting to happen.

I know the majority of people out there, are like a frog on a slow simmer to death.  I call them the walking dead.

Most subluxations (misalignments of our spine) develop over time, and because they are often very subtle, and many times painless, the danger of their impact on our bodies goes unnoticed.

Until we get into the habit of being proactive when it comes to our health, these “simmering” subluxations will always be a threat.

If you know someone who has not had their spine examined, regardless of whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms or have pain, please send them in for a chiropractic evaluation.

 Our Austin Chiropractic office is ready to help, so help they need before their pot comes to a boil!

Boiled to Death2026-04-26T11:13:59-05:00

Stop Candida Naturally

Stop Candida Naturally

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Did you know that you can Stop Candida Naturally?
Candida is a type of yeast that has quite the reputation for causing fungal infections. It is associated with thrush, vaginal yeast infections, nail infections, and skin and stomach issues. Candida is not entirely a bad thing; a small amount exists naturally in the human body. It doesn’t cause any issues until it becomes overgrown. This can be triggered by a number of things: high amounts of stress, using oral contraceptives, drinking large amounts of alcohol, eating a diet with a large quantity of refined carbohydrates and sugars, and using antibiotics that may kill the friendly bacteria that was keeping the Candida in check.

Once the amount of Candida in the body gets large and a fungal infection is present, it can definitely be less than pleasant. Without treatment, it can cause quite a few issues and be a monster to endure. The good news is – there are a few natural ways to get rid of a Candida infection.

Changing Diet
Diet plays a big role in Candida infections.  *Diet plays a role in every single disease, dysfunction or health problem that we ever experience!  Yeast feeds off refined carbohydrates and sugar. The more sugar and carbs in a diet, the harder it will be to get rid of Candida. Reducing the amount of fruit, grains, pasta, and other foods containing complex carbohydrates can reduce the amount of Candida in the body and help banish the infections. Alcohol should also be avoided as it promotes the growth of yeast and is counteractive to getting relief from a Candida infection.

There are many foods that can help control Candida levels. Onions, coconut oil, chamomile tea, apple cider vinegar, and ginger are all considered anti-fungal foods. Integrating them into the diet at the first sign of a Candida infection can hasten the recovery.

Adding more water consumption into the diet can also help. Water helps detoxify the body and can aid in lowering Candida levels, as well as helping to prevent overgrowth in the first place. Drinking two liters of water a day while also using other methods of treatment can help relief from the infection come quicker.

Lower Stress
High amounts of stress can greatly affect the way the body functions and lead to all sorts of issues, including an overgrowth of Candida. Taking it easy for a few days, meditating, and avoiding known sources of stress will help the body bounce back and get the amounts of Candida back down to a healthy level. In combination with changing diets and other methods, reducing stress can work wonders.

Probiotics
Probiotics, such as lactobacillus and bifidus, help keep the bacteria amounts balanced. Certain types of good bacteria keep Candida from becoming overgrown and using probiotics promotes a growth of these good bacteria. When dealing with Candida infections in the stomach, probiotics provide a protective lining in the stomach and prevent Candida growth. Probiotics are available in capsule form and also come in a drinkable yogurt form.
For treating vaginal yeast infections, probiotic capsules can be used as vaginal suppositories. Since vaginal yeast infections occur through the same problem of overgrowth as an infection in the stomach does, probiotics are just as effective for treatment.

Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is in no way a cure for Candida, but just like water, oxygen and nutrients from food- it helps to build your body's defenses.  By making sure that your spine is in proper alignment, you ensure that the vital communication between your brain, spinal cord and nerves are operating as best as they can to allow for your body to heal optimally!

Stop Candida Naturally2026-04-26T11:13:59-05:00

Are Flu Vaccines a Scam?

Are Flu Vaccines a Scam?

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Every autumn, we hear the encouragement to rush to the pharmacy or a doctor’s office and get our annual flu vaccination. Getting vaccinated for influenza has become a staple in our public healthy routine within the US –advertised abundantly through pharmacy store signs, television, and doctor recommendations. With the scares of the Swine Flu and past influenza epidemics, more people than ever are lining up to get vaccinated. However, some scientists are beginning to doubt the effectiveness of these vaccinations.

What is the flu shot supposed to do?
Vaccines contain antigens. These are dead or weakened components of the virus that are meant to urge the immune system to produce antibodies. Rather than leaving, these antibodies stay within the body on the lookout for the virus to return so they can fight it. Vaccines basically train the immune system to battle whichever virus the vaccine is meant for and gives it a heads up that something bad may be coming.

Within the flu vaccine, there are antigens for four strands of the influenza virus: Type A H1N1 (Swine Flu), Type A H3N2 (‘New’ Swine Flu), and two different strands of Type B influenza. Type A causes more serious symptoms and complications while Type B is considered to be more mild but both types have been known to cause seasonal epidemics. All strands of the virus can infect anyone but those without a strong immune system are more likely to get infected; this is the reason that it is recommended by the CDC that children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems get the vaccine first.

Does it actually work?
While no vaccine works 100%, according to studies the flu shot may not even work at 50%. A study published in 2006 in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that there was no difference in the rate of influenza between a group of children who were vaccinated and a group who were given placebos. To back up the Cochrane study, a 2008 study found in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine came to the conclusion that flu vaccinations had no impact on the amount of flu-related hospital or doctor visits and that the effectiveness of the vaccine could not be thoroughly demonstrated. To top it off, a 2009 article published in The Atlantic called ‘Does the Vaccine Matter?’ has shed quite a bit of light on the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of the flu shot.

One of the more dangerous aspects of influenza is that the virus strands mutate rapidly. They’re highly adaptable. The genetic make-up of this year can be very different than it was last year, making the previous vaccine ineffective. Until the virus presents itself again, there’s no way to know exactly how it mutated. Due to this, the vaccine manufacturers have to guess. Although it may be a scientific guess, it is still just a guess and it may not be on the mark. There are also many strands of the influenza virus and which one circulates during each flu season is not always the same. So, once again, the manufacturers have to take a guess at which strands’ antigens to put in the vaccine. In both 1968 and 1997, the strands within the vaccines did not match the strands that were circulating during the flu seasons.

During those two years where the vaccine did not match the circulating virus strands, even those that got the flu shot were not protected. Yet, the influenza mortality rate did not spike from the previous years when the vaccine had matched the circulating virus strands. The mortality rate from the virus also did not spike in 2004 when there was a period of vaccine shortage and many people weren't able to get vaccinated. Since there was no change in mortality during periods when people were vaccinated and periods where they weren't, it throws question on whether the flu vaccine is effective at all.

Compared to twenty years ago, there are twice as many people getting vaccinated. One would assume that the mortality rate from influenza would have gone down due to more vaccinations but that’s not the case. In some age groups, it has remained steady while in other age groups, it has fluctuated between rising and falling over the years. In observation of the mortality rate in correlation with the amount of vaccinations given, it does not look as though the flu shot really impacts the morality rate of influenza.

A possible reason to explain the flu vaccine’s ineffectiveness in lowering the mortality rate influenza may be the fact that it works only for people that don’t actually need to be vaccinated. A person with a healthy immune system is not as likely to get infected by the virus, even without a flu shot, and will not have an issue with producing antibodies to fight off influenza. However, someone with a weaker immune system is more susceptible to getting the flu and they have trouble producing antibodies – meaning that even with the antigen of the virus, their immune system may not be able to produce the antibodies needed to prevent infection. The vaccine works for people at a lower risk of infection while it’s not likely to work for people at a higher risk for infection. So, the people who were already highly susceptible to the flu, and the most like to get it, may still be just as susceptible after the flu shot.  

When a patient asks me if they should get vaccinated, my first thought is, “Well…how healthy are you now and are you doing things to be healthy in the future?”  Simply put – there's no easy way around it.  You either put in the hard work of being healthy (and not needing a vaccine) or allow your body to get sick.

Dangers of Vaccinations

I could go on and on about this, but here's a direct quote from the FDA website (link provided). “In some cases the cell lines that are used might be tumorigenic (tumor causing), that is, they form tumors when injected into rodents. Some of these tumor-forming cell lines may contain cancer-causing viruses that are not actively reproducing. Such viruses are hard to detect using standard methods.”

So…here the FDA is admitting that not only can these vaccines cause cancers but they don't know how to detect it.  This is why they are wanting to study if further.  Meanwhile, kids and infants and “scared” adults are asked to get their vaccinations like good little test subjects!

Is there a way to prevent the flu?
Although the flu shot may not work, there are other ways to protect against infection. The main way to protect yourself from getting the flu is to take care of your health. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet, reducing stress, and exercising can all work to strengthen the immune system and help it fight off viruses. The better you take care of your body, the better it functions – and this includes the immune system.

Food like yogurt, garlic, fish, and citrus can give the immune system a boost and Vitamin C is known to help prevent against catching a virus. Stress can weaken the immune system greatly so taking time to relax and cutting out unneeded stress can be helpful during flu season. Exercising works not only to reduce stress but it improves overall health and helps every system function better. Simply living a healthy lifestyle can be very effective in preventing coming down with a case of the dreaded flu.

Are Flu Vaccines a Scam?2026-04-26T11:13:59-05:00

8 Natural Ways to Manage Parkinsons

8 Natural Ways to Manage Parkinson’s Disease

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Parkinson’s disease is a gradually developing disorder of the nervous system. It is characterized by the damage to brain cells that produce dopamine, which help the body move. The symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors or shaking, rigid muscles, slow movement, speech changes, and impaired balance. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease but it can be managed through medication, surgery, and natural methods. Here are eight natural aids to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s:

Chiropractic
It's very important to try to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness as much as possible.  This is why chiropractic care is extremely valuable for someone who has Parkinson's disease.  Austin chiropractic care can help to restore mobility, maintain flexibility and decrease stiffness!

Vitamin E & Magnesium
Found in foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil, Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It can help prevent free radicals, which are known to play a part in nerve damage. Adding a moderate amount of Vitamin E to a diet can relieve some Parkinson’s symptoms. It has also been shown as effective in preventing Parkinson’s disease from forming in the first place. Although there are synthetic versions of Vitamin E available in the form of supplement tablets, they are not as effective. 

Magnesium works to protect neurological functions, which may aid in slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease. It can also offer support to nerves and muscles, helping improve movement. In order to be effective, a large amount of magnesium intake is needed in a diet. Foods that are high in magnesium include avocados, bananas, chocolate, nuts, and leafy greens.

Marijuana
The cannabinoids within marijuana are very strong antioxidants that, like Vitamin E, prevent the occurrence of free radicals that can be damaging to nerves. Marijuana is thought to be able to delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease, as well as relieve the symptoms. A study conducted at the Charles University in Prague showed that 46% of patients experienced significant relief from their Parkinson’s symptoms after two months of usage.

*Please note that this article does not advocate illegal drug usage. If this is a method you wish to try, it is strongly advised that you make sure you’re in a region where medicinal marijuana is legal and go through the proper legal channels to obtain it.

Green Tea
Green tea contains naturally occurring chemicals, often found in plants that have antioxidant attributes, called polyphenols. These chemicals help protect the dopamine neurons that get damaged by Parkinson’s disease. This not only offers relief from symptoms but may help slow down the progression of the disease. Green tea comes in many varieties and is widely available in grocery stores.

Fish
Most fish contain the antioxidant coenzyme Q. This antioxidant can improve mitochondrial function and protects the cells that produce dopamine, which helps keep movement from becoming impaired. For those that are not a fan of eating fish, coenzyme Q is also available as a supplement tablet and is just as effective in this form.

Exercise
Staying fit can greatly help lower the risk for Parkinson’s disease, as well as help manage the disease. Body fat stores toxins that can damage dopamine producing cells and worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Shedding extra body fat can lead to symptom relief and slow the worsening of the disease greatly.  Our spine hygiene and spine rehab program is another great way to help with movement!

Meditation
Meditation is widely known as a tool for calming the mind and soothing the nerves, used to aid the recovery of many mental and physical ailments. It may also increase dopamine production and help counteract the effects of Parkinson’s disease. 15-20 minutes of mediation in the morning can lead to mild symptom relief throughout the day.

Tai Chi
As a martial art form consisting of slow and deliberate movements, Tai Chi is both safe and easy to learn. It is often used for physical rehabilitation after strokes or to keep fit with age but it is also helpful in improving motor-control for people suffering from mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease. Tai Chi has also been known to improve balance and stride, preventing painful falls. Due to the popularity of Tai Chi, classes are offered at many fitness centers, community centers, and even in some hospitals.

8 Natural Ways to Manage Parkinsons2026-04-26T11:13:59-05:00

Just Say No to Birth Control

Just Say No to Birth Control

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Birth control has grown in popularity over the last two decades with many women using it at some point in their lifetime. Coming in many forms, birth control is most often used to prevent unwanted pregnancy but it is also commonly used to help regulate menstrual cycles (which is just crazy – especially if you have not considered changing your diet or getting your spine checked by a corrective chiropractor!). The two main types of birth control are a synthetic estrogen and progestin combination dosage and a progestin-only dosage. Birth control works by stabilizing hormones and preventing a peak in estrogen that triggers ovulation. Although birth control is widely available, there have been concerns about the safety of using these methods of contraception due to dangerous side effects.  After all – how healthy can putting  hormone into your  body be?

Manipulating hormones can have many unpleasant effects. Synthetic hormones contain a protein called SHGB that lowers testosterone levels. This can affect a person’s sex life by causing a lack of desire, hindering the ability to achieve orgasm, and potentially causing pain during sex due to a lack of arousal. Although this is not a life-threatening side effect, it can be a very uncomfortable and frustrating one that may have a negative effect on romantic relationships.

Eye problems have also been associated with using birth control. Blurred vision and issues focusing can be caused by the manipulation of hormone levels. This can make completing daily tasks much more challenging and cause some painful headaches from the eye strain. Fortunately, this side effect is usually not permanent. Eye sight may return to normal once the hormones are returned to their natural levels. If experiencing eye problems while on birth control, ceasing to take the medication and talking to a doctor may clear up the issue.

Unlike the lack of a sex drive and temporary eye problems, there are other side effects that can be life threatening. Developing blood clots has been strongly linked to birth control. Although many women may experience blood clots at some point, the risk is tripled by taking birth control. When combined with high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking, the risk jumps even higher. Strokes and embolisms can result from blood clots (also known as thrombosis) and both are potentially fatal.

The risk for gallbladder disease also rises when taking birth control. Estrogen causes the concentration of cholesterol in bile to rise and this may lead to the formation gallstones. Although rarely life-threatening, this can be very painful and cause problems when eating. In extreme cases, the removal of the gallbladder may be required.

A known long-term side effect of taking birth control is heart disease. Women who have taken birth control for five years or longer are at an increased risk. Long-term usage of birth control has been linked to damage of the heart muscle. Heart attacks have been known to occur, even with younger women, when taking birth control. The longer a woman stays on the birth control, the greater the risk becomes.

When it comes to breast cancer, the link to taking birth control is undecided. Studies have varied on the subject. Researchers in Scandinavia observed that in groups of women, those who took birth control in the past or present had a greater occurrence of breast cancer than those who had never taken birth control. However, Women’s CARE group conducted a study in the mid-1990s that showed no link between birth control and breast cancer. Even though it is undecided whether birth control and breast cancer are linked, it may be too great of a risk to take if there’s even a small possibility that this form on contraceptive can lead to a notoriously deadly form of cancer.

Birth control is but one of many types of contraceptives. There are others that don’t carry the same amount of health risks and are just as effective. Considering the possibly dangerous side effects of birth control, it may be wise to speak to a doctor about alternative methods for both preventing unwanted pregnancy and regulating menstrual cycles.

Just Say No to Birth Control2026-04-26T11:13:59-05:00

Relieve Menopause Naturally

Relieve Menopause Naturally

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Unlike any disease or ailment, menopause is something that every woman will have to experience.  Fortunately you can relieve menopause naturally. It is a natural biological process that occurs at an average of 51 years of age but can also occur in mid to late 40s as well. Menopause is the reduction of hormone production from the ovaries and it occurs over a period of years. Although natural, it can be an unpleasant experience. Women going through menopause may experience symptoms that include hot flashes, mood changes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and thinning hair. There are a few prescriptions that can help with the symptoms but there are also many natural alternatives that relieve the effects of menopause.  It's also equally important to recognize the importance your  nervous system plays in regulating hormone balance.  When your spine is in proper alignment, the nerves are stress free allowing for optimal function of your  body.  Our Austin Chiropractic office offers corrective chiropractic care that helps to make sure your body remains in proper alignment.

Herbs and plants to Relieve Menopause Naturally
The most common herb used to help relieve menopausal symptom is black cohosh. It naturally contains estrogen and can help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Black cohosh has few known side effects when taken for menopause; the common ones are stomachaches and headaches. Sold as a dietary supplement in pill form, it is available at most pharmacies. Red clover and fermented soy have also been known to relieve hot flashes and night sweats but red clover has more known side effects than black cohosh and soy.

Aside from also treating hot flashes, ginseng can provide relief for moodiness, sleeping problems and vaginal dryness. It is generally safe and often found in combination with green tea in most grocery stores. Wild yam is another helpful aid that regulates progesterone and battles moodiness, as well as menopausal related depression.

Yoga to Relieve Menopause Naturally
Both exercise and mediation can improve moods and relieve sleeping problems. When the two are combined, they are twice as effective. Yoga allows for this combination. It provides an easy exercise as well as the calming effects of mediation. It also leaves a lot of room for modification to make it easier for those that suffer from mobility problems so it’s an option that is usually available to everyone.

Although the link is still undecided, yoga is thought to also help reduce hot flashes. Yoga classes are held throughout the day making it easy for anyone to attend a class.  However, if you have “time constraints” or you'd like to try yoga out in the comfort of your own home, you can always check out online yoga. 

We also highly recommend East Side Yoga here in Austin, Tx!

Vitamin E Oil to Relieve Menopause Naturally
Estrogen is what keeps the vagina lubricated and during menopause, when there is a drop in estrogen, vaginal dryness is common. It can be highly uncomfortable and awkward to deal with, both during sexual intercourse and just during everyday activities. However, there are natural ways to find relief.

Applying Vitamin E oil topically to the vagina can soothe tenderness caused by dryness and help improve lubrication. It can also help with hot flashes but the effectiveness in that area is mild. Vitamin E can be found in gel capsule form or in a bottle, although the capsules tend to be more sterile. When using a gel capsule, the best method is to puncture the capsule with a needle then dab the oil with a fingertip before gently applying to the vagina. There are no adverse effects to using Vitamin E oil topically, as long as hands are washed before application and the needle used to puncture the capsule is sterile.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Both alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating and can worsen hot flashes and night sweats. Caffeine also hinders mineral intake, which can have a negative effect on keeping a balanced mood and can contribute to bone density issues, especially with menopausal women. Switching to decaf coffee in the morning, along with avoiding soda and alcoholic beverages can reduce the amount of hot flashes and night sweats. Drinking cold water or juice instead can greatly help with hot flashes as they occur and reduce the amount of night sweat occurrences. Juices that are high in vitamin content are particularly helpful.

Relieve Menopause Naturally2026-04-26T11:14:00-05:00
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